The compelling new documentary Changing Track – about facing disability and trauma, discovering a new ability in cycling and chasing a Paralympic dream – will hit cinemas across Australia throughout November with premieres and Q&As, culminating in special screenings on December 3 for International Day of People Living with a Disability.
"Changing Track is not about politics, controversy or technical sport details and results," says director, writer and producer Tristan Kenyon. "It is a non-fiction drama."
In a velodrome on the other side of the world, three Australian cyclists are about to chase a Paralympic dream that they could never have anticipated. At age 27, Emily Petricola was in the grips of depression after a diagnosis of MS; teenager Korey Boddington lay in a coma after a motocross accident; and Kane Perris, born with Albinism, was suffering from the bitter effects of schoolyard bullying. Later, forced to transcend their challenging situations, the trio discovers a powerful new ability in cycling, and a community that encourages them to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can't. Now, with the Paralympics in reach, Emily faces a cruel and progressive disease that threatens her future, Kane senses familiar anxieties creeping in through the pressures of tandem cycling, and Korey trusts a motto that has guided him since the trauma of his youth.
What does it take for Paralympic dreams to come true?
A stunning new film driven by three characters that will literally have you cheering, Changing Track was made by gifted Director, Writer and Producer Tristan Kenyon and his brother, Writer, DOP and Producer Timothy Kenyon through ARA Films with Exectuive Producer Edward Federman. Most importantly, Changing Track is a film that everyone can relate to. "Many of us experience periods of depression, anxiety or darkness," says Tristan Kenyon. "Some of us will or have suffered an unexpected event that has significantly changed our life. Some of us might simply be stuck in a rut or feeling lost or directionless. Emily, Korey and Kane show us that anyone has the power to change track, find the right people and focus on what they love no matter what that may be or what life has yet to throw their way."
A truly cinematic experience, Changing Track will ride its way across Australia's theatres and multiplexes throughout November. Kicking off on November 5 in Adelaide, filmmakers Tristan and Timothy Kenyon, along with the film's Paralympic athletes, Emily Petricola, Korey Boddington, Kane Perris and Luke Zaccaria, will tour with Changing Track, appearing at must-see Q&A events in major cities and territories. These screenings will then culminate with special showings on December 3 to tie in with International Day of People Living with a Disability.
KOREY BODDINGTON
"If this story lights even the smallest fire in someone to fight, to try, to believe again, then we've done something that matters."
EMILY PETRICOLA
"My hope is that anyone else who faces a life changing challenge can realise that just because life is changing from what you know or expect, it does not have to be a negative thing. It could in fact be something greater than you had imagined before."
KANE PERRIS
"For people living with a disability and especially those who feel stuck, unseen, or uncertain, I want this story to show that with the right people and a reason to move forward, it is possible to find direction again."
LUKE ZACCARIA
"I hope that everyone watching this film can see the beauty of these stories and use them as a beacon for their own lives just as I have."
"We can't wait for people across Australia to meet Emily, Korey, Kane and Luke with filmmakers Tristan and Timothy," says Dov Kornits, the director of distribution company Screen Inc., who are releasing Changing Track. "This is a truly inspirational group of people, with extraordinary stories of courage and inspiration to tell. I'm so proud to have even the smallest role in their incredible journey with the very exciting release of Changing Track."
CHANGING TRACK will screen ahead of the December 3 national release.